The second launch title is Gail Z Martin’s fantasy romp, The Summoner... The ingredients of this tale -- reluctant hero, destinies to be fulfilled, hitherto unknown magical powers -- are all familiar components to fantasy readers... What saves it from blandness is the sheer enthusiasm of its author, who launches herself into the adventure with whole-hearted passion.
-- Sandy Auden, SFX
The Summoner, book one of the Chronicles of the Necromancer is an intriguing start to a new fantasy series. While there is much here that harkens back to some of the most recognizable tenets of high fantasy, Gail Martin has brought some new ideas into play. I feel that this could develop into a marvellous new series.
Prince Martris Drayke has just witnessed his half brother’s violent overthrow of their father’s kingdom. Along with his evil sorcerous cohort, Foor Arontala, Jared now rules the kingdom and Tris is on the run. Watching his back and keeping him company are two soldiers and his friend the court bard. Tris has to find a way to get to his uncle’s kingdom, which will offer him asylum as well as a safe base to operate from as he must remove Jared from power before he destroys the kingdom. The trip is a perilous one as Jared has mercenaries out to find him and bring him back. All the while he has to deal with the dreams of the ghosts of his sister and grandmother. These dreams seem to have meaning, however. Unbeknownst to Tris, he has inherited the talents of his sorcerous grandmother and is now the only summoner in the land. While he may have the raw talent, he doesn’t have the knowledge or the skills to go with it. As a summoner, he is the only person who can help troubled spirits cross over into the spirit world instead of haunting the world of the living. Without the teaching he should have had from his grandmother, he must deal with these spirits as best he can.
Chased by slavers and mercenaries, Tris has only a few things on his side. He has the safe haven he’s running to and the aid and skills of his friends and some new ones he makes along the way. Secret identities, ghosts and vampires seem to follow this group wherever they go. Will they make it alive? Will Tris be able to control the spirits they encounter? Are the vampires truly on their side? You’ll find out as you get to the end. And I’ll be picking up the next book to see where they go from here.
-- Dwndrgn, Chronicles Network
I couldn’t help but like The Summoner. A lot of that has to do with the way the novel is written... The Summoner is consistently composed, easy to get into and reads very quickly. Plus, because of the exuberant manner in which the story is told – it’s obvious that Gail Z. Martin is a huge fantasy fan – The Summoner is hard not to like... It offers plenty of sword & sorcery action, and is of the more family-friendly variety... The Summoner is definitely worth picking up...
-- Fantasy Book Critic
When Prince Martris Drayke's older brother, Jared, decides to preempt his inheritance by murdering their father and seizing the throne, Martris and a few companions flee to a place of safety where they hope to restore justice to the kingdom. Despite his efforts, he finds few among the living who are willing to stand beside him, so he turns to another group he trusts to aid him: the spirits of the dead. Martin's first novel, a series opener, presents a beleaguered hero with a unique gift of communicating with the dead. One of the key launch novels for the Solaris imprint of BL Publishing, this fantasy adventure belongs in most libraries.
-- Jackie Cassada, Library Journal
…It only took the reading of a few pages before I began to believe in Martin’s well-developed fantasy world and in her ability to lead her readers through it with an enchanting grace that obscures the fact that this is her first published novel.
… we can be thankful for this breath of new life Martin has summoned into the fantasy genre. After the first few pages, I thought the author’s greatest strengths were a knack for character development and the creation of splendid settings. I was wrong. As I progressed through the tale, I soon found myself adding to my initial list of the author’s skills, admitting gladly that Martin’s command of foreshadowing, suspense, and intricate plot development are also noteworthy. The world, the characters that populate it, the social structures, and the laws of magic are all well conceived and skillfully presented by the author… If The Summoner is indicative of what adventures lie ahead in this series, Gail Z. Martin is certain to keep her readers entranced from page one to the finale.
-- James K. Bowers, Kankakee Journal
Attractive characters and an imaginative setting combine in an excellent, fast-moving quest novel.
-- David Drake, Author of Some Golden Harbor, Other Times Than Peace
A gripping quest narrative made all the more atmospheric by the imminent presence of a shadow world of spirits and dark magic. Just when you think you know where things are heading, Martin pulls another ace from her sleeve. A rich, evocative story with vivid, believable characters moving through a beautifully realized world with all the quirks, depths and levels of a real place. A terrific read!
-- A.J. Hartley, Author, The Mask of Atreus and On The Fifth Day
Ongoing adventure that holds the reader's interest.
-- Hilary Williamson, BookLoons
The Summoner has its roots very firmly in the traditional sword and sorcery, and quest camps of fantasy…Many fantasy fans and fantasy role games players will enjoy The Summoner hugely.
-- Jonathan Cowie, Concatenation
This fantasy was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in the genre for a long time. This is her debut novel and I can't wait for the next book to come out. I could not put it down. I stayed up late into the night to finish it.
-- Karin, BookReporter.com—(March 2) Rating: 4 Stars
Gail Z. Martin has a good grasp of pacing, and tells a fast-paced tale laced with plenty of action. The medieval milieu is convincingly detailed, and the characters... are believable in their goals and motivations.
-- SF Site
I never grew bored, not once. Hand-to-hand combat, necromancy, goddesses, good and bad spirits, magical combat, betrayal... I cannot begin to describe all the different elements that the author, Gail Z. Martin, has spun together to create this outstanding tapestry. The book ends in, what I believe to be, the perfect place. When I finished reading the last page and closed the book, I sat for several minutes just thinking it all. I am in awe of this author's talents and have to wonder if she may be a sorceress herself. In a word, "PERFECT!"
-- Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews.
